Anti-G StraiAnti-G Straining Maneuver

Background: Increasingly valuable, sophisticated, and powerful aircraft are developed and incorporated into the armed forces. Technological advances are notable for increasing physiological load during the flight, making human resources a limiting factor in such operations. It is necessary to understand the physiological demands to which aircraft pilots are exposed, especially combat pilots. Objective: This study aimed to present: i. the physiological consequences on the human body due to high accelerative forces during high-performance flights; ii. the efficiency of the Anti-G Straining Maneuver (AGSM) countermeasure to such consequences; and iii. the state of the art about surface electromyography's uses (sEMG) in AGSM. Method: It was conducted a bibliographic search in the PubMed database using the keywords “anti-G effort maneuver” and “electromyography” and their synonyms. After this, a narrative review of the results was performed. This research model allows a comprehensive discussion about the topic, enabling an in-depth contextualization in a prosperous field of study. These characteristics are suitable for detecting literature gaps and directing the research discussion. Discussion: There is a consensus in the literature that AGSM is the most effective resource to prevent loss of consciousness induced by G-load (G-LOC). The sEMG is an affordable and useful tool for AGSM training, especially given the unavailability of human centrifuges. The current literature on the application of sEMG in the context of AGSM training is limited, presenting a diversity of objectives, methodology, and analyzed parameters. Conclusion: The use of sEMG as real-time biofeedback can improve the pilot's muscle control skills during AGSM.